Extended drop-over panels for use with vertical panel with drop-over base

ABSTRACT

An extended drop-over panel is designed to matingly engage a vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels. The extended drop-over panel includes an elongated tapering opening defined vertically by the extended drop-over panel and extending from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel. The elongated tapering opening is designed to receive the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels therein. A front panel at least partially defines the elongated tapering opening and is designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/163,008, filed 24 Mar. 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/186,254, filed 11 Jun. 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to extended drop-over panels for use with vertical panels with drop-over bases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vertical panels with drop-over bases are well known in the art and have become relatively popular in recent times. Generally, these vertical panels are used primarily in a manner similar to traffic cones, as reflector traffic separators to notify passers of activities or possible dangers, and barricades. However, the vertical panels are relatively small and in many instances provide a less than adequate notification or alert.

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved extended drop-over panel for use with vertical panels having drop-over bases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is an extended drop-over panel designed to matingly engage a drop-over base type vertical panel. The extended drop-over panel includes an elongated tapering opening defined vertically by the extended drop-over panel and extending from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel. The elongated tapering opening is designed to receive the drop-over base type vertical panel therein. A front panel at least partially defines the elongated tapering opening and is designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the drop-over base type vertical panel.

To further achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with an embodiment thereof, provided is an extended drop-over panel designed to matingly engage a vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels. The extended drop-over panel includes a body with at least a front panel. The body defines a vertically oriented, elongated tapering opening and a front panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels. The elongated tapering opening is oriented vertically by the extended drop-over panel and extends from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel. The elongated tapering opening is designed to receive the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels therein.

To further achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with an embodiment thereof, provided is an extended drop-over panel designed to matingly engage a vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels. The extended drop-over panel includes a front panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels. An upper mounting bail and a vertically spaced apart lower mounting bail are affixed to the front panel and cooperate to define a vertically oriented, elongated tapering opening. The elongated tapering opening extends from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel. The elongated tapering opening is designed to receive the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an extended drop-over panel in position on a drop-over base type vertical panel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the extended drop-over panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a, bottom view of the extended drop-over panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a drop-over base type vertical panel with a drop-over panel positioned thereon in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the drop-over panel of FIG. 4 in a stored or uninstalled position;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of another embodiment of a drop-over panel in a stored or uninstalled position, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the drop-over panel of FIG. 6 positioned on a drop-over base type vertical panel in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning now to the drawings and specifically to FIG. 1, an example of a vertical panel, designated 10, for drop-over base type vertical panels is illustrated. While a variety of drop-over base type vertical panels are available on the market a specific size and shape is disclosed herein for purposes of example. It will be understood that all of the measurements listed below are approximate and provided only for exemplary purposes. A typical vertical panel of the type illustrated as panel 10 has a panel height of 43″ with a bottom width of 12½″ and depth of 6″. Panel 10 tapers inwardly from the bottom to a width of 5⅝″ and a depth of 1⅛′ at the top. Also, a flange 12 extends outwardly from the bottom edge completely around panel 10 and is positioned to engage or receive a drop-over base 14 (illustrated in position in FIG. 1). Generally, panel 10 is formed of some type of rugged plastic, such as polyethylene or the like and includes a handle 16 at the top.

As understood by those familiar with drop-over base type vertical panels, the visual display portion of panel 10, designated 20, can be a variety of sizes, e.g. 8″×24″, 8′×34″, 8″×36″, etc. However, because of the limited size of vertical panel 10, the visual display portion 20 is limited to a relatively small area. Here it will be understood that vertical panel 10 must be limited in width and depth so that a base 14 can be dropped over it to hold it in a desired place (see FIG. 3). It is understood that the visual display portion 20 of vertical panel 10 can be used for a variety of notifications, warnings, advertisements, etc. However, because the visual display portion 20 is relatively small, such notifications, warnings, advertisements, etc. are of limited value. Also, the shape and size of vertical panel 10 can vary only in very small increments because it must remain capable of receiving a base 14 thereover.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of an extended drop-over panel in accordance with the present invention, designated 30, is illustrated. Extended drop-over panel 30 includes a vertically extending elongated body 31 with a generally rectangular shape and is specifically designed to be dropped over a drop-over base type vertical panel, e.g. vertical panel 10 with base 14 positioned thereon. To this end, extended drop-over panel 30 is designed with a width, depth, and height greater than vertical panel 10. An elongated tapering opening 32 is formed vertically through body 31 of extended drop-over panel 30 and extends from a lower aperture 34 at the bottom of extended drop-over panel 30 to an upper aperture 36 at the top. As can be seen in FIG. 1, opening 32 through extended drop-over panel 30 is formed to be nestingly received over a vertical panel 10 with the handle 16 of vertical panel 10 extending outwardly from aperture 36 and the bottom of extended drop-over panel 30 spaced slightly above base 14.

As a specific example in this embodiment, the height of extended drop-over panel 30 is 36″, the width is 24″, and the depth is 7″. Thus, opening 32 can be formed to receive vertical panel 10 therein while extended drop-over panel 30 still has a rugged and serviceable form. Virtually the entire outer front and back surfaces, designated 37 and 38, respectively, are available as a visual display portion for placing thereon a variety of notifications, warnings, advertisements, etc. Also, it will be noted that the width can be varied substantially to greatly increase the area of the overall visual display portion. Generally the width of extended drop-over panel 30 is only limited by stability in a particular desired use.

Other types or examples of extended drop-over panel 30 in accordance with the present invention are anticipated. For example, a horizontally elongated drop-over panel could include a central opening therethrough that is designed to nestingly receive a vertical panel 10 therein. In this specific example, the extended drop-over panel has a height less than the height of extended drop-over panel 30 in FIG. 1, e.g. approximately one-half or 18″. This type of extended drop-over panel is generally designed to have displayed thereon directional indicators or similar type designators that might be provided with a smaller vertical measurement to increase stability and to provide some aid in the directional application.

Another type or example of an extended drop-over panel in accordance with the present invention includes a horizontally elongated drop-over panel with a pair of horizontally spaced apart openings therethrough that are each designed to nestingly receive a pair of spaced apart vertical panels 10 therein. In this specific embodiment, the height and depth of the extended drop-over panel is approximately the same as extended drop-over panel 30 but the width can be twice as wide as extended drop-over panel 30 or even greater, depending upon wind, area of use and other application factors. It will be understood that additional openings can be provided therethrough, if desired to further increase the width of the extended drop-over panel. Thus, a substantial increase in the visual display portion of the extended drop-over panel is achieved.

Another type or example of an extended drop-over panel in accordance with the present invention is designed to provide a post type function in a security fence type of application. In this type or example of an extended drop-over panel a central opening extends up into the body but does not go all the way through (although it could if desired). Because of the limited central opening, the height of extended drop-over panel is greater than the height of a vertical panel 10 received therein and the width is only slightly greater than vertical panel 10. Thus, this extended drop-over panel forms a “post” or anchor point for cables, ropes, ribbons, fencing material, etc. (hereinafter generically referred to as “cables”) used in a security fence. A plurality of attachment devices (see for example 40 in FIG. 2) are affixed to the vertical edges of this type extended drop-over panel and provide tie points for cables, ropes, ribbons, etc. extending between adjacent spaced apart posts. It will be understood that a variety of other types of attachment devices can be used on the extended drop-over panels since they will not interfere with the nesting relationship between the extended drop-over panel and vertical panel 10.

Another type or example of an extended drop-over panel in accordance with the present invention includes a pair of matching extended drop-over panels. The pair of matching extended drop-over panels are designed to provide a barricade type of application. Each of the pair of matching extended drop-over panels have two horizontally spaced apart, vertical openings extending therethrough with each opening designed to nestingly receive a vertical panel 10 therein. A first of the pair of extended drop-over panels is designed to be a bottom rail in a barricade type of application and, therefore, the openings through the first extended drop-over panel are slightly larger than the openings through a second of the pair of extended drop-over panels. The openings through the second extended drop-over panel are slightly smaller than the openings through the first extended drop-over panel so that in the final nesting position the second panel is spaced vertically above the first panel to form the spaced apart rails of a barricade or the like.

In yet another type or example of an extended drop-over panel in accordance with the present invention an extended drop-over panel is shaped to resemble a pair of spaced apart rails on a standard barricade or the like. Basically, the body of this extended drop-over panel is formed with a central opening designed to receive a vertical panel 10 therethrough as described above. The body has horizontally outwardly extending portions or arms approximately midway from the bottom resembling a first rail and outwardly extending portions or arms adjacent the top resembling a second vertically spaced rail. Each outwardly extending portion 82 has a visual display portion on the front and/or rear surface which can carry reflective stickers or the like. By forming this extended drop-over panel as a single piece, manufacturing and assembly over a vertical panel 10 is substantially simplified.

Turning now specifically to FIG. 4, a front perspective view is illustrated of a drop-over base type vertical panel 10 with an extended drop-over panel 122 positioned thereon in accordance with the present invention. While a variety of drop-over base type vertical panels are available on the market a specific size and shape is disclosed herein for purposes of example. In this specific embodiment, drop-over panel 122 includes an upper sign element 124 and a lower sign element 126 affixed in parallel spaced apart relationship to a vertical bar or mount 128. As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 5, an upper mounting bail 130 is pivotally attached to vertical bar or mount 128 adjacent the upper end thereof, and a lower mounting bail 132 is pivotally attached to vertical bar or mount 128 adjacent the lower end thereof.

Upper mounting bail 130 is pivotally attached to vertical bar or mount 128 by means of a tubular mount 134, which may be formed as a discrete element and attached to the upper end of vertical bar 128 or may be formed by rolling the upper end of bar 128 over or back on itself to form a tube. The ends of upper mounting bail 130 are captured in tubular mount 134 and, in this embodiment, a spring is included to bias upper mounting bail 130 into the downwardly rotated position illustrated. Lower mounting bail 132 is pivotally attached to vertical bar or mount 128 by means of a tubular mount 136, which may be formed as a discrete element and attached to vertical bar 128, as illustrated, or may be formed by rolling the lower end of bar 128 over or back on itself to form a tube. The ends of lower mounting bail 132 are captured in tubular mount 136 and, in this embodiment, a spring is included to bias lower mounting bail 132 into the upwardly rotated position illustrated.

It will be understood that upper mounting bail 130 can be rotated into an upwardly directed orientation. Upper mounting bail 130 is attached to vertical bar 128 so that in the upwardly directed orientation it extends beyond the upper edge of upper sign element 124 and forms a convenient handle for carrying or otherwise moving drop-over panel 122. It will be understood that a spring to bias at least lower mounting bail 132 into any specific orientation can be eliminated so that it simply hangs down in an un-obstructing manner.

Several steps in positioning drop-over panel 122 on a drop-over base type vertical panel 10 should be understood. First, upper mounting bail 130 and lower mounting bail 132 define an elongated tapering opening extending vertically from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of extended drop-over panel 122 to an upper aperture adjacent the top of extended drop-over panel 122. Second, lower mounting bail 132 is constructed with a somewhat larger opening so that it slips easily over the tapered body of drop-over base type vertical panel 10 and slides downwardly to approximately a midpoint. Upper mounting bail 130 is constructed with a smaller opening so that it slips over the upper end of the tapered body of drop-over base type vertical panel 10 but slides downwardly only a short distance. Generally, the opening size defined by one or both of upper mounting bail 130 and lower mounting bail 132 determines the position of drop-over panel 122 on drop-over base type vertical panel 10. While upper mounting bail 130 and lower mounting bail 132 are described herein as formed of rigid metal rod or heavy wire, it will be understood that they could be formed of other material such as plastic or rope. Also, upper mounting bail 130 and lower mounting bail 132 are illustrated as forming a complete circle or path but it will be understood that they might be formed with a break therein along a portion of the backside.

In a slightly different type of drop-over panel 122, a double sided version of is anticipated. In this specific version, the drop-over panel includes a front sign element (for example, similar to either upper sign element 24 and lower sign element 26 or single sign element 64) and a similar rear sign element. Each of the sign elements selected are affixed to vertical bars or mounts (e.g. vertical bar 128). An upper mounting bail is attached, in a horizontally oriented position at the front and back, to the spaced apart vertical bars adjacent the upper ends thereof and a lower mounting bail is attached, in a horizontally oriented position at the front and back, to the vertical bars adjacent the lower ends thereof.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7 another type or example is illustrated of a drop-over panel 162 positioned on drop-over base type vertical panel 10 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, drop-over panel 162 includes a single sign element 164 that extends vertically and/or horizontally a substantial distance. The entire outer front surface is available as a visual display portion for placing thereon a variety of notifications, warnings, advertisements, etc. Also, it will be noted that the width can be varied substantially to greatly increase the area of the overall visual display portion. Generally the width of drop-over panel 162 is only limited by stability in a particular desired use.

To provide additional strength to the structure, a vertical mounting bar 166 is attached to the rear surface of sign element 164 and extends vertically the height of sign element 164. An upper mounting bail 168 is pivotally attached to vertical bar 166 adjacent the upper end thereof and a lower mounting bail 170 is pivotally attached to vertical bar 166 adjacent the lower end thereof.

Upper mounting bail 168 is pivotally attached to vertical bar 166 by means of a tubular mount 172, which may be formed as a discrete element and attached to the upper end of vertical bar 166 or may be formed by rolling the upper end of bar 166 over or back on itself to form a tube. The ends of upper mounting bail 168 are captured in tubular mount 172 and, in this embodiment, a spring is included to bias upper mounting bail 168 into the downwardly rotated position illustrated in FIG. 6. Lower mounting bail 170 is pivotally attached to vertical bar 166 by means of a tubular mount 174, which may be formed as a discrete element and attached to vertical bar 166, as illustrated, or may be formed by rolling the lower end of bar 166 over or back on itself to form a tube. The ends of lower mounting bail 170 are captured in tubular mount 174 and, in this embodiment, an optional spring is included to bias lower mounting bail 170 into the downwardly rotated position illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring specifically to FIG. 7, drop-over panel 162 is illustrated in an installed position on a drop-over base type vertical panel 10. As can be seen, lower mounting bail 170 is constructed with a somewhat larger opening so that it slips easily over the tapered body of drop-over base type vertical panel 10 and slides downwardly to approximately a midpoint (or lower if desired). Upper mounting bail 168 is constructed with a smaller opening so that it slips over the upper end of the tapered body of drop-over base type vertical panel 10 but slides downwardly only a short distance. Generally, the opening size defined by one or both of upper mounting bail 168 and lower mounting bail 170 determines the position of drop-over panel 162 on drop-over base type vertical panel 10. While upper mounting bail 168 and lower mounting bail 170 are described herein as formed of rigid metal rod or heavy wire, it will be understood that they could be formed of other material such as plastic or rope. Also, upper mounting bail 168 and lower mounting bail 170 are illustrated as forming a complete circle or path but it will be understood that they might be formed with a break therein along a portion of the backside.

In some specific applications or geographic areas it may be necessary to provide additional add-ons (e.g. locks or other features) designed to reduce the possibility of tampering. In such instances the additional features could be added, for example, to the upper end of vertical bar or mount 128.

It will be understood that in each of the above types of drop-over panels an elongated tapering opening is defined vertically by the extended drop-over panel. The elongated tapering opening extends from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel. Further, each extended drop-over panel includes a front panel or a front and back panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels.

Thus, a new and improved drop-over panel for use with drop-over base type vertical panels has been disclosed. Several different types or examples have been described and it will be understood that other embodiments can be devised from the disclosure herein. While vertical panels associated with drop-over base type vertical panels are severely limited in their shape and size, because they must be capable of receiving a weighted base thereover, the subject drop-over panels are not so limited. The visual display portion or area of the new drop-over panel is not limited but can be extended to provide a much more acceptable area for a variety of notifications, warnings, advertisements, etc. Basically, either or both a front panel and a back panel are provided and designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front or back panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels. Also, various modifications in how one or more of the drop-over panels interact with the standard vertical panels of drop-over base type vertical panels can be formed to provide a large variety of functions and applications.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims. 

1. An extended drop-over panel designed to matingly engage a vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels, the extended drop-over panel comprising: an elongated tapering opening defined vertically by the extended drop-over panel and extending from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel, the elongated tapering opening designed to receive the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels therein; and a front panel at least partially defining the elongated tapering opening and designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels.
 2. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongated tapering opening is defined by a vertically elongated body.
 3. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elongated tapering opening is defined by an upper mounting bail and a vertically spaced apart lower mounting bail.
 4. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the front panel includes a pair of vertically spaced apart parallel arms.
 5. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the front panel includes a single front surface available as a visual display.
 6. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 1 further including a back panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a back panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels.
 7. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 1 further including a plurality of attachment devices designed to have cables attached thereto.
 8. An extended drop-over panel designed to matingly engage a vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels, the extended drop-over panel comprising: a body including at least a front panel, the body defining a vertically oriented, elongated tapering opening, and the front panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels; and the elongated tapering opening defined vertically by the extended drop-over panel and extending from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel, the elongated tapering opening designed to receive the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels therein.
 9. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 8 wherein the front panel includes a pair of vertically spaced apart parallel arms.
 10. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 8 wherein the front panel includes a single front surface available as a visual display.
 11. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 8 further including a back panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a back panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels.
 12. An extended drop-over panel designed to matingly engage a vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels, the extended drop-over panel comprising: a front panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a front panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels; an upper mounting bail and a vertically spaced apart lower mounting bail affixed to the front panel and cooperating to define a vertically oriented, elongated tapering opening; and the elongated tapering opening extending from a lower aperture adjacent the bottom of the extended drop-over panel to an upper aperture adjacent the top of the extended drop-over panel, the elongated tapering opening designed to receive the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels therein.
 13. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 12 wherein the front panel includes a pair of vertically spaced apart parallel arms.
 14. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 12 wherein the front panel includes a single front surface available as a visual display.
 15. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 12 further including a back panel designed with at least one of a width, height, and total area greater than a back panel of the vertical panel for drop-over base type vertical panels.
 16. An extended drop-over panel as claimed in claim 15 wherein the upper mounting bail and the vertically spaced apart lower mounting bail are each affixed to the back panel. 